Multiple charged ionic compounds derived from polyamines and compositions thereof and methods of preparation thereof

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are the multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds, methods of making thereof, and articles or compositions comprising thereof. The disclosed multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds are derived from polyamines through two reactions: an aza-Michael addition with an activated olefin having an ionic group and a ring-opening reaction with an epoxide.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 16/554,415, filed Aug. 28, 2019, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to provisional application Ser. No. 62/724,357, filed Aug. 29, 2018, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of multiple charged molecules and methods of making the same. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a new class of modified polyamines that comprise both cationic or anionic groups and nonionic groups attached to its nitrogen atoms. The disclosed compounds can be useful as a fouling control agents, antimicrobials, sanitizers, fabric softeners, antistatic agents, corrosion inhibitors, foaming agents, floatation collectors, dispersants, surfactants assisted enhanced oil recovery (EOR), cleaners, etc., alone or together with other chemicals in various applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A water system, including an industrial water system, serves many different purposes. Any water system, including its equipment and water, is prone to microbial contamination and fouling. Fouling or deposition of any organic or inorganic material can occur even in an industrial water system that is treated with the best water treatment programs currently available. If a water system is not periodically cleaned or treated, then it will become heavily fouled.

Fouling occurs due to microbiological contamination and subsequently microbial and/or biofilm growth. Sources of microbial contamination in industrial water systems are numerous and may include, but are not limited to, air-borne contamination, water make-up, process leaks, and improperly cleaned equipment. Microorganisms causing fouling can establish their microbial communities on any wetable or semi-wetable surfaces of a water system. Evaporative cooling water systems are particularly prone to fouling.

Fouling has a negative impact on a water system, particularly an industrial water system. For example, severe mineral scale (inorganic material) would buildup on any water contact surfaces and any scale in turn provides an ideal environment for microorganism and/or biofilm growth. If fouling or biofilm growth can progress in a water system, the water system can suffer from decreased operational efficiency, premature equipment failure, and increased health-related risks associated with microbial fouling and/or biofilm growth.

Exopolymeric substances secreted by microorganism aid formation of biofilms as the microbial communities develop on surfaces. These biofilms are complex ecosystems that establish a means for concentrating nutrients and offer protection for microbial growth, so the biofilms can accelerate scale formation, corrosion, and other fouling processes. Not only do biofilms contribute to efficiency reduction of the water system, but they also provide an excellent environment for microbial proliferation and for generating dangerous Legionella bacteria. It is therefore important that biofilms and other fouling processes be reduced to the greatest extent possible to minimize the health-related risk associated with Legionella and other water-borne pathogens.

Various methods are developed to clean or to remove biofilms and microorganisms associated with the biofilms. While cleaning and removing biofilms are necessary, a better approach is to prevent or reduce fouling or biofilm formation or growth, so the need to clear or remove biofilms is reduced. Cleaning or removing biofilms usually requires operation interruption and introduction of other chemicals. One way to prevent or reduce fouling and/or biofilm formation or growth is to treat a water system with a fouling control composition agent or fouling control composition. For example, corrosion inhibitors and/or fouling control composition agents are often added into upstream oil and gas production fluids to protect carbon steel pipelines and infrastructure from corrosion and biofilm growth.

Quaternary ammonium compounds have been used for many years as corrosion inhibitors and fouling control agents. Quaternary ammonium compounds belong to an important subcategory of surfactants because they have unique properties. A main distinction between quaternary ammonium compounds from other surfactants is their unique structure. Quaternary ammonium compounds consist mainly of two moieties, a hydrophobic group, e.g., long alkyl group, and a quaternary ammonium salt group. The unique positive charge of the ammonium plays a key role, e.g., electrostatic interactions, between the surfactant and surface or different components of biofilms. However, the quaternary ammonium compounds used for such purpose are often bis quaternary species or species quaternized with benzyl chloride that are known to be very hazardous. In additional, governmental regulations exist to release any water containing single quaternary compounds into the environment.

Therefore, it is an objective of the disclosure to develop a method to make the novel compounds for fouling control in a water system efficiently and effectively.

It is a further objective of the disclosure to use the novel compounds in an article, product, and/or composition.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the claims set forth herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are novel compounds, methods of making the disclosed compounds, and articles or compositions comprising the disclosed compounds. More particularly, the disclosed compounds are multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds comprising multiple positive or negative charges and nonionic groups within single molecule of various sizes. They are derived from water soluble polyamine or polyethyleneimines.

In one aspect, disclosed herein is a multiple charged compound having one of the generic formula of NA₂-[R^(10′)]_(n)-NA₂, (RNA)_(n)—RNA₂, NA₂—(RNA)_(n)—RNA₂, or NA₂-(RN(R′))_(n)—RNA₂, wherein R^(10′) is a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₂-C₁₀ alkylene group, or combination thereof, R is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group, or combination thereof; R′ is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkyl group, RNAB, RNARNAB, or RN(RNAB)₂; n can be from 2 to 1,000,000; A is a combination of H,

or a combination of H,

wherein X is NH or O; R² is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₂-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group; R^(2′) is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted or substituted, linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl group, —COOH, —CH₂COOH, Y′, or —(CH₂)_(m)—Y′; m is an integer of 2 to 4; R³ is absent or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₁-C₃₀ alkylene group; Y is —NR₄R₅R₆ ⁽⁺⁾; Y′ is —COOH, —SO₃H, —PO₃H, —OSO₃H, —OPO₃H, or a salt thereof, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are independently a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group; R⁷ is H or alkyl; and R⁸ is alkyl, or —(CH₂)_(k)—O-alkyl, wherein k is an integer of 1-30; wherein the compound is a multiple charged cationic compound having 1, 2, 3, or more

groups and at least one

group or a multiple charged anionic compound having 1, 2, 3, or more

groups, and at least one

group.

In another aspect, disclosed herein is a multiple charged compound derived from a polyamine through its reactions with an activated olefin and an epoxide, wherein the activated olefin has one of the following formulas;

and the epoxide is

wherein X is NH or O; R² is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₂-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group; R^(2′) is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted or substituted, linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl group, —COOH, —CH₂COOH, Y′, or —(CH₂)_(m)—Y′; m is an integer of 2 to 4; R³ is absent or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₁-C₃₀ alkylene group; Y is —NR₄R₅R₆ ⁽⁺⁾; Y′ is —COOH, —SO₃H, —PO₃H, —OSO₃H, —OPO₃H, or a salt thereof; R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are independently a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group; R⁷ is H or alkyl; and R⁸ is alkyl, or —(CH₂)_(k)—O-alkyl, wherein k is an integer of 1-30; wherein the polyamine and activated olefin undergo aza Michael Addition reaction and the polyamine and epoxide undergo ring opening reaction; wherein the compound is a multiple charged cationic compound having 1, 2, 3, or more positive charges from the activated olefin and at least one nonionic group from the epoxide or multiple charged anionic compound having 1, 2, 3, or more negative charges from the activated olefin and at least one nonionic group from the epoxide.

In another aspect, disclosed here is a method of making the compound or its salt disclosed here.

In yet another aspect, provided herein is an article, product, or composition that comprises one or more compounds disclosed herein.

The forgoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features of the present technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings and the detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the present technology. Accordingly, the figures and detailed description are also to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not in any way limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary generic reaction scheme to produce a multiple charged cationic compound first by a ring-opening reaction between a linear polyethyleneimine and epoxide and then an aza-Michael addition reaction with an activated olefin (α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compound).

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary alternate generic reaction scheme to produce a multiple charged cationic compound first by an aza-Michael addition reaction between a linear polyethyleneimine and α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compound and then a ring-opening reaction with an epoxide.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary generic reaction scheme to produce a multiple charged cationic compound by reacting a branched polyethyleneimine with both an epoxide and α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compound through a ring-opening reaction and aza-Michael addition reaction, respectively.

FIG. 4 shows a generic reaction scheme to produce a multiple charged cationic compound by reacting a linear polyethyleneimine with both an epoxide and α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compound through a ring-opening reaction and aza-Michael addition reaction, respectively.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the disclosure. Figures represented herein are not limitations to the various embodiments according to the disclosure and are presented for exemplary illustration of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Disclosed herein are novel compounds, methods of making the compounds disclosed herein, and articles or compositions comprising the compounds disclosed herein. More particularly, multiple charge cationic or anionic compounds derived from a polyamine, an activated olefin, and epoxide through both an aza-Michael addition and ring-opening reaction are disclosed. Methods of synthesizing such compounds are disclosed.

The embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to particular compositions and methods of use which can vary and are understood by skilled artisans. It is further to be understood that all terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting in any manner or scope. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” can include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, all units, prefixes, and symbols may be denoted in its SI accepted form.

Numeric ranges recited within the specification are inclusive of the numbers within the defined range. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of this disclosure are presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

So that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, certain terms are first defined. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the disclosure pertain. Many methods and materials similar, modified, or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the embodiments of the present disclosure without undue experimentation, the preferred materials and methods are described herein. In describing and claiming the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuring and liquid handling procedures used for making concentrates or use solutions in the real world; through error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the compositions or carry out the methods; and the like. The term “about” also encompasses amounts that differ due to novel equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about”, the claims include equivalents to the quantities.

As used herein, “substituted” refers to an organic group as defined below (e.g., an alkyl group) in which one or more bonds to a hydrogen atom contained therein are replaced by a bond to non-hydrogen or non-carbon atoms. Substituted groups also include groups in which one or more bonds to carbon(s) or hydrogen(s) atom replaced by one or more bonds, including double or triple bonds, to a heteroatom. Thus, a substituted group is substituted with one or more substituents, unless otherwise specified. A substituted group can be substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents.

Substituted ring groups include rings and ring systems in which a bond to a hydrogen atom is replaced with a bond to a carbon atom. Therefore, substituted cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl groups may also be substituted with substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl groups are defined herein.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” or “alkyl groups” refers to saturated hydrocarbons having one or more carbon atoms, including straight-chain alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, etc.), cyclic alkyl groups (or “cycloalkyl” or “alicyclic” or “carbocyclic” groups) (e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, etc.), branched-chain alkyl groups (e.g., isopropyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, etc.), and alkyl-substituted alkyl groups (e.g., alkyl-substituted cycloalkyl groups and cycloalkyl-substituted alkyl groups).

Unless otherwise specified, the term “alkyl” includes both “unsubstituted alkyls” and “substituted alkyls.” As used herein, the term “substituted alkyls” refers to alkyl groups having substituents replacing one or more hydrogens on one or more carbons of the hydrocarbon backbone. Such substituents may include, for example, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogeno, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, cyano, amino (including alkyl amino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino, and alkylarylamino), acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and ureido), imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sulfates, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonates, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido, heterocyclic, alkylaryl, or aromatic (including heteroaromatic) groups.

In some embodiments, substituted alkyls can include a heterocyclic group. As used herein, the term “heterocyclic group” includes closed ring structures analogous to carbocyclic groups in which one or more of the carbon atoms in the ring is an element other than carbon, for example, nitrogen, sulfur or oxygen. Heterocyclic groups may be saturated or unsaturated. Exemplary heterocyclic groups include, but are not limited to, aziridine, ethylene oxide (epoxides, oxiranes), thiirane (episulfides), dioxirane, azetidine, oxetane, thietane, dioxetane, dithietane, dithiete, azolidine, pyrrolidine, pyrroline, oxolane, dihydrofuran, and furan.

Alkenyl groups or alkenes are straight chain, branched, or cyclic alkyl groups having two to about 30 carbon atoms, and further including at least one double bond. In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has from 2 to about 30 carbon atoms, or typically, from 2 to 10 carbon atoms. Alkenyl groups may be substituted or unsubstituted. For a double bond in an alkenyl group, the configuration for the double bond can be a trans or cis configuration. Alkenyl groups may be substituted similarly to alkyl groups.

Alkynyl groups are straight chain, branched, or cyclic alkyl groups having two to about 30 carbon atoms, and further including at least one triple bond. In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has from 2 to about 30 carbon atoms, or typically, from 2 to 10 carbon atoms. Alkynyl groups may be substituted or unsubstituted. Alkynyl groups may be substituted similarly to alkyl or alkenyl groups.

As used herein, the terms “alkylene”, “cycloalkylene”, “alkynylides”, and “alkenylene”, alone or as part of another substituent, refer to a divalent radical derived from an alkyl, cycloalkyl, or alkenyl group, respectively, as exemplified by —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. For alkylene, cycloalkylene, alkynylene, and alkenylene groups, no orientation of the linking group is implied.

The term “ester” as used herein refers to —R³COOR³¹ group. R³⁰ is absent, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, cycloalkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, arylene, aralkylene, heterocyclylalkylene, or heterocyclylene group as defined herein. R³¹ is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, or heterocyclyl group as defined herein.

The term “amine” (or “amino”) as used herein refers to —R³²NR³³R³⁴ groups. R³² is absent, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, cycloalkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, arylene, aralkylene, heterocyclylalkylene, or heterocyclylene group as defined herein. R³³ and R³⁴ are independently hydrogen, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, or heterocyclyl group as defined herein.

The term “amine” as used herein also refers to an independent compound. When an amine is a compound, it can be represented by a formula of R^(32′)NR^(33′)R^(34′) groups, wherein R^(32′), R^(33′), and R³⁴ are independently hydrogen, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, or heterocyclyl group as defined herein.

The term “alcohol” as used herein refers to —R³⁵OH groups. R³⁵ is absent, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, cycloalkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, arylene, aralkylene, heterocyclylalkylene, or heterocyclylene group as defined herein.

The term “carboxylic acid” as used herein refers to —R³⁶COOH groups. R³⁶ is absent, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, cycloalkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, arylene, aralkylene, heterocyclylalkylene, or heterocyclylene group as defined herein.

The term “ether” as used herein refers to —R³⁷OR³⁸ groups. R³⁷ is absent, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, cycloalkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, arylene, aralkylene, heterocyclylalkylene, or heterocyclylene group as defined herein. R³⁸ is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, or heterocyclyl group as defined herein.

The term “solvent” as used herein refers to any inorganic or organic solvent. Solvents are useful in the disclosed method or article, product, or composition as reaction solvent or carrier solvent. Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, oxygenated solvents such as lower alkanols, lower alkyl ethers, glycols, aryl glycol ethers and lower alkyl glycol ethers. Examples of other solvents include, but are not limited to, methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol and butanol, isobutanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, mixed ethylene-propylene glycol ethers, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, and propylene glycol phenyl ether. Water is a solvent too. The solvent used herein can be of a single solvent or a mixture of many different solvents.

Glycol ethers include, but are not limited to, diethylene glycol n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol n-propyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol t-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol ethyl ether, dipropylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol tert-butyl ether, ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether acetate, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether and tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, propylene glycol phenyl ether, and the like, or mixtures thereof.

Acids

The compositions or methods disclosed herein may include an acid. However, in some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein are free of an acid.

Generally, acids, as used in this disclosure, include both organic and inorganic acids. Organic acids include, but not limited to, hydroxyacetic (glycolic) acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, gluconic acid, itaconic acid, trichloroacetic acid, urea hydrochloride, and benzoic acid. Organic acids also include dicarboxylic acids such as oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, and terephthalic acid. Combinations of these organic acids can also be used. Inorganic acids include, but are not limited to, mineral acids, such as phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, sulfamic acid, methylsulfamic acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydrofluoric acid, and nitric acid. Inorganic acids can be used alone, in combination with other inorganic acid(s), or in combination with one or more organic acid. Acid generators can be used to form a suitable acid, including for example generators such as potassium fluoride, sodium fluoride, lithium fluoride, ammonium fluoride, ammonium bifluoride, sodium silicofluoride, etc.

Examples of particularly suitable acids in this the methods or compositions disclosed herein include inorganic and organic acids. Exemplary inorganic acids include phosphoric, phosphonic, sulfuric, sulfamic, methylsulfamic, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydrofluoric, and nitric. Exemplary organic acids include hydroxyacetic (glycolic), citric, lactic, formic, acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, caproic, gluconic, itaconic, trichloroacetic, urea hydrochloride, and benzoic. Organic dicarboxylic acids can also be used such as oxalic, maleic, fumaric, adipic, and terephthalic acid.

Alkalinity Source or Base

The disclosed methods of preparation or compositions may include using an effective amount of an alkalinity source or base as a catalyst or ingredient. The alkalinity source or base in turn comprises one or more alkaline compounds. The alkalinity source can be added to the reaction mixture in the form of solid, liquid, or solution thereof.

In general, an effective amount of the alkalinity source should be considered as an amount that provides a reaction mixture having a pH of at least about 8. When the solution has a pH of between about 8 and about 10, it can be considered mildly alkaline, and when the pH is greater than about 12, the solution can be considered caustic.

The alkalinity source can include an alkali metal carbonate, an alkali metal hydroxide, alkaline metal silicate, alkaline metal metasilicate, or a mixture thereof. Suitable metal carbonates that can be used include, for example, sodium or potassium carbonate, bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate, o r a mixture thereof. Suitable alkali metal hydroxides that can be used include, for example, sodium, lithium, or potassium hydroxide. Examples of useful alkaline metal silicates include sodium or potassium silicate (with M₂O:SiO₂ ratio of 2.4 to 5:1, M representing an alkali metal) or metasilicate. A metasilicate can be made by mixing a hydroxide and silicate. The alkalinity source may also include a metal borate such as sodium or potassium borate, and the like.

The alkalinity source may also include ethanolamines, urea sulfate, amines, amine salts, and quaternary ammonium. The simplest cationic amines, amine salts and quaternary ammonium compounds can be schematically drawn thus:

in which, R represents a long alkyl chain, R′, R″, and R′″ may be either long alkyl chains or smaller alkyl or aryl groups or hydrogen and X represents an anion.

In some embodiments, the methods of preparation are free of the alkalinity source because the reactants contain a primary amine or primary amine group to catalyze the reaction. In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein are free of the alkalinity source.

Polyamines

A polyamine can have, but is not limited to, a generic formula of NH₂—[R^(10′)]_(n)—NH₂, (RNH)_(n)—RNH₂, H₂N—(RNH)_(n)—RNH₂, or H₂N—(RN(R′))_(n)—RNH₂, wherein R^(10′) is a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₂-C₁₀ alkylene group, or combination thereof; R is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group, or combination thereof; R′ is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkyl group, RNH₂, RNHRNH₂, or RN(RNH₂)₂; and n can be from 2 to 1,000,000. The monomer in a polyamine, e.g., the R or R′ group, can be the same or different. In this disclosure, a polyamine refers to both small molecule polyamine when n is from 1 to 9 and polymeric polyamine when n is from 10 to 1,000,000.

Small molecule polyamines include, but are not limited to ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine, pentaethylenehexamine, hexaethyleneheptamine, and tris(2-aminoethyl)amine.

Other possible polyamines include JEFFAMINE® monoamines, diamines, and triamines by Huntsman. These highly versatile products contain primary amino groups attached to the end of a polyether backbone normally based on propylene oxide (PO), ethylene oxide (EO), or a mixture of both oxides. JEFFAMINE® amines include a polyetheramine family consisted of monoamines, diamines and triamines based on the core polyether backbone structure. JEFFAMINE® amines also include high-conversion, and polytetramethylene glycol (PTMEG) based polyetheramines. These JEFFAMINE® amines have an average molecular weight (M_(w)) of from about 130 to about 4,000.

A polyamine used in this disclosure can be a polyamine derivative or modified polyamine, in which one or more of the NH protons, but not all, in the polyamine is substituted by an unsubstituted or substituted group. For example, an alkyl polyamine that contains one or more alkyl group connected to the nitrogen atom can be used to produce the multiple charge cationic polyamine disclosed herein. In these PEI derivatives, only some of primary NH₂ or secondary NH protons are replaced by other non-proton groups and the remaining NH₂ or NH protons can still react with a Michael acceptor, such as an activated olefin containing a hydrophilic (ionic) group, by an aza-Michael Addition reaction.

One class of the polymeric polyamine includes polyethyleneimine (PEI) and its derivatives. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) or polyaziridine is a polymer with a repeating unit of CH₂CH₂NH and has a general formulation of NH₂(CH₂CH₂NH)_(n)—CH₂CH₂NH₂, wherein n can be from 2 to 105. The repeating monomer in PEI has a molecular weight (M_(w)) of 43.07 and a nitrogen to carbon ratio of 1:2.

PEI derivatives include ethoxylated/propylated PEIs, polyquats PEI, polyglycerol quats PEI, and other PEI derivatives, salts, or mixtures thereof. The molar mass of the polyethyleneimines, including modified polyethyleneimines can vary from about 800 g/mol to about 2,000,000 g/mol. For Example, SOKALAN® HP20 is an alkoxylated PEI product. In these PEI derivatives, only some of primary NH₂ or secondary NH protons are replaced by functional groups and the remaining NH₂ or NH protons can still react with a Michael acceptor, e.g., activated olefin or α, β-unsaturated compound containing a hydrophilic (ionic) group.

PEIs and their derivatives can linear, branched, or dendric. Linear polyethyleneimines contain all secondary amines, in contrast to branched PEIs which contain primary, secondary and tertiary amino groups. Totally branched, dendrimeric forms also exist and contain primary and tertiary amino groups. Drawings for unmodified linear, branched, and dendrimeric PEI are shown below.

PEI derivatives are usually obtained by substituting proton(s) on the nitrogen atoms with different group. One such PEI derivative is ethoxylated and propoxylated PEI, wherein the polyethyleneimines are derivatized with ethylene oxide (EO) and/or propylene oxide (PO) side chains. Ethoxylation of PEIs can increase the solubility of PEIs.

PEI is produced on industrial scale. Various commercial polyethyleneimines are available, including for example those sold under the tradename Lupasol® (BASF), including for example Lupasol® FG, Lupasol® G, Lupasol® PR 8515, Lupasol® WF, Lupasol® G 20/35/100, Lupasol® HF, Lupasol® P, Lupasol® PS, Lupasol® PO 100, Lupasol® PN 50/60, and Lupasol® SK. These PEIs have average molecular weights (M_(w)) of about 800, about 1,300, about 2,000, about 5,000, about 25,000, about 1,300/2,000/5,000, about 25,000, about 750,000, about 750,000, about 1,000,000, and about 2,000,000, respectively.

Two commonly used averages for molecular weight of a polymer are number average molecular weight (M_(n)) and weight average molecular weight (M_(w)). The polydispersity index (D) represents the molecular weight distribution of the polymers. Mn=(Σn_(i)M_(i))/Σn_(i), M_(w)=(Σn_(i)M_(i) ²)/Σn_(i)M_(i), and D=M_(w)/M_(n), wherein the index number, i, represents the number of different molecular weights present in the sample and n_(i) is the total number of moles with the molar mass of M_(i). For a polymer, M_(n) and M_(w) are usually different. For example, a PEI compound can have a M_(n) of about 10,000 by GPC and M_(w) of about 25,000 by LS.

Light Scattering (LS) can be used to measure M_(w) of a polymer sample. Another easy way to measure molecular weight of a sample or product is gel permeation chromatography (GPC). GPC is an analytical technique that separates molecules in polymers by size and provides the molecular weight distribution of a material. GPC is also sometimes known as size exclusion chromatography (SEC). This technique is often used for the analysis of polymers for their both M_(n) and M_(w).

These commercially available and exemplary polyethyleneimines are soluble in water and available as anhydrous polyethyleneimines and/or modified polyethyleneimines provided in aqueous solutions or methoxypropanol (as for Lupasol® PO 100).

PEI and its derivatives find many applications usually derived from its polycationic character. Because of the presence of amine groups, PEI can be protonated with acids to form a PEI salt from the surrounding medium resulting in a product that is partially or fully ionized depending on pH. For example, about 73% of PEI is protonated at pH 2, about 50% of PEI is protonated at pH 4, about 33% of PEI is protonated at pH 5, about 25% of PEI is protonated at pH 8 and about 4% of PEI is protonated at pH 10. In general, PEIs can be purchased as their protonated or unprotonated form with and without water. The commercial PEIs at pH 13 have a charge (cationic) density of about 16-17 meq/g (milliequivalents per gram).

The counterion of each protonated nitrogen center is balanced with an anion of an acid obtained during neutralization. Examples of protonated PEI salts include, but are not limited to, PEI-hydrochloride salt, PEI-sulfuric acid salt, PEI-nitric acid salt, PEI-acetic acid salt PEI fatty acid salt and the like. In fact, any acid can be used to protonate PEIs resulting in the formation of the corresponding PEI salt compound.

Suitable polyethyleneimine useful in the present disclosure may contain a mixture of primary, secondary, and tertiary amine substituents or mixture of different average molecular weights. The mixture of primary, secondary, and tertiary amine substituents may be in any ratio, including for example in the ratio of about 1:1:1 to about 1:2:1 with branching every 3 to 3.5 nitrogen atoms along a chain segment. Alternatively, suitable polyethyleneimine compounds may be primarily one of primary, secondary or tertiary amine substituents.

The polyamine that can be used to make the multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds disclosed herein can have a wide range of its average molecular weight. Different multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds with their characteristic average molecular weights can be produced by selecting different starting small molecule polyamines, polymeric PEIs, or mixture thereof. Controlling the size of polyamines or PEI and extent of modification by the α, β-unsaturated compound and epoxide, one can produce the multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds with a similar average molecular weight and multiple cationic charges or multiple anionic charges. Because of this character, one can produce and use different multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds for a wider range of applications that are using unmodified polyamine or PEIs.

Specifically, the polyamines that can be used to make the modified polyamines disclosed here have an average molecular weight (M_(w)) of about 60-200, about 100-400, about 100-600, about 600-5,000, about 600-800, about 800-2,000, about 800-5,000, about 100-2,000,000, about 100-25,000, about 600-25,000, about 800-25,000, about 600-750,000, about 800-750,000, about 25,000-750,000, about 750,000-2,000,000, about 100, about 200, about 300, about 400, about 500, about 600, about 700, about 800, about 1,000, about 1,500, about 2,000, about 3,000, about 5,000, about 8,000, about 10,000, about 15,000, about 20,000, about 50,000, about 100,000, about 250,000, about 500,000, about 1,000,000, about 2,000,000, or any value there between.

In one aspect, disclosed herein is a multiple charge compound having one of the generic formula of NA₂-[R^(10′)]_(n)-NA₂, (RNA)_(n)—RNA₂, NA₂—(RNA)_(n)-RNA₂, or NA₂-(RN(R′))_(n)—RNA₂, wherein R^(10′) is a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group, or combination thereof; R is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group, or combination thereof; R′ is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkyl group, RNA₂, RNARNA₂, or RN(RNA₂)₂; n can be from 2 to 1,000,000; A is a combination of H,

or a combination of H,

wherein X is NH or O; R² is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₂-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group; R^(2′) is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted or substituted, linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl group, —COOH, —CH₂COOH, Y′, or —(CH₂)_(m)—Y′; m is an integer of 2 to 4; R³ is absent or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₁-C₃₀ alkylene group; Y is —NR₄R₅R₆ ⁽⁺⁾; Y′ is —COOH, —SO₃H, —PO₃H, —OSO₃H, —OPO₃H, or a salt thereof; R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are independently a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group; R⁷ is H or alkyl; and R⁸ is alkyl, or —(CH₂)_(k)—O-alkyl, wherein k is an integer of 1-30; wherein the compound is a multiple charged cationic compound having 1, 2, 3, or more

groups and at least one

group or a multiple charged anionic compound having 1, 2, 3, or more

and at least one

In some embodiments, A is

In some other embodiments, A is

In yet some other embodiments, A is

In some embodiments, the multiple charge compound is NA₂-[R^(10′)]_(n)-NA₂. In some other embodiments, the multiple charge compound is (RNA)_(n)—RNA₂. In yet some other embodiments, the multiple charge compound is NA₂—(RNA)_(n)—RNA₂. In some other embodiments, the multiple charge compound is NA₂-(RN(R′))_(n)—RNA₂.

In some embodiments, R⁷ is H. In some other embodiments, R⁷ is a C₁-C₄ alkyl group. In yet some other embodiments, R⁸ is a C₁₂-C₂₀ alkyl group.

In another aspect, disclosed herein is a multiple charged compound derived from a polyamine through its reactions with an activated olefin and an epoxide, wherein the activated olefin has one of the following formulas;

and the epoxide is

wherein X is NH or O; R² is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₂-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group; R^(2′) is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted or substituted, linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl group, —COOH, —CH₂COOH, Y′, or —(CH₂)_(m)—Y′; m is an integer of 2 to 4; R³ is absent or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₁-C₃₀ alkylene group; Y is —NR₄R₅R₆ ⁽⁺⁾; Y′ is —COOH, —SO₃H, —PO₃H, —OSO₃H, —OPO₃H, or a salt thereof; R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are independently a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group; R⁷ is H or alkyl; and R⁸ is alkyl, or —(CH₂)_(k)—O-alkyl, wherein k is an integer of 1-30; wherein the polyamine and activated olefin undergo aza Michael Addition reaction and the polyamine and epoxide undergo ring opening reaction; wherein the compound is a multiple charged cationic compound having 1, 2, 3, or more positive charges from the activated olefin and at least one nonionic group from the epoxide or a multiple charged anionic compound having 1, 2, 3, or more negative charges from the activated olefin and at least one nonionic group from the epoxide.

The multiple charge cationic or anionic compounds disclosed here are derived from a polyamine as a result of its aza-Michael addition with an activated olefin, such as u, 0-unsaturated carbonyl compound, having an ionic group and its ring opening reaction with an epoxide.

The two reactions of a polyamine leading to the disclosed compound can be sequential or simultaneous, e.g., in three different ways as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, which illustrates the generic schemes for the structures of and the reactions leading to the disclosed multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary generic reaction scheme to produce a multiple charged cationic compound first by a ring-opening reaction between a liner polyethyleneimine and epoxide and then an aza-Michael addition reaction with an activated olefin, e.g., an α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compound having a cationic group. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary alternate generic reaction scheme to produce a multiple charged cationic compound first by an aza-Michael addition reaction between a linear polyethyleneimine and α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compound and then a ring-opening reaction with an epoxide. FIG. 3 shows an exemplary generic reaction scheme to produce a multiple charged cationic compound by reacting a branched polyethyleneimine with both an epoxide and α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compound through a ring-opening reaction and aza-Michael addition reaction, respectively.

In FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, k, l, m, n, o, or p is an integer of 1-100; X is NH or O; R² is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₂-C₁₀ alkyl group; R³ is absent or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₁-C₃₀ alkylene group; Y is —NR⁴R⁵R⁶⁽⁺⁾ or a salt thereof; R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are independently C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group or benzyl group; R⁷ is H or alkyl; and R⁸ is alkyl, or —(CH₂)_(k)—O-alkyl, wherein k is an integer of 1-30.

The structures V and VI in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 are depiction of generalized reaction products. In structures V and VI, all the secondary and primary amine groups in the polyethyleneimine react with epoxides and α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds so that no secondary amine groups remain. It is possible that in the disclosed multiple charged ionic compounds, some secondary or primary amine groups do not react completely with either the epoxide or activated olefin and remain as primary or secondary amine groups in the multiple charged ionic compound or its salt.

In some embodiments, R⁷ is H. In some other embodiments, R⁷ is CH₃. In yet some other embodiments, R⁷ is a C₂-C₄ alkyl.

In some embodiments; R⁸ is a C₁-C₃₀ alkyl. In some other embodiments, R⁸ is C₈-C₄ alkyl. In yet some other embodiments, R⁸ is a C₅-C₂₀ alkyl.

In some embodiments, R⁸ is —(CH₂)_(k)—O-alkyl, wherein k is an integer of 1-30 and the alkyl group is C₁-C₃₀ alkyl group.

In some embodiments, the polyamine is NH₂—[R^(10′)]_(n)—NH₂, (RNH)_(n)—RNH₂, H₂N—(RNH)_(n)—RNH₂, or H₂N—(RN(R′))_(n)—RNH₂, wherein R^(10′) is a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₂-C₁₀ alkylene group, or combination thereof; R is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group, or combination thereof; R′ is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkyl group, RNH₂, RNHRNH₂, or RN(RNH₂)₂; and n can be from 2 to 1,000,000. The monomer in a polyamine, e.g., the R or R′ group, can be the same or different. In this disclosure, a polyamine refers to both small molecule polyamine when n is from 1 to 9 and polymeric polyamine when n is from 10 to 1,000,000.

In other words, the multiple charged ionic compound can have a formula of NA₂-[R^(10′)]_(n)-NA₂, (RNA)_(n)—RNA₂, NA₂—(RNA)_(n)—RNA₂, or NA₂-(RN(R′))_(n)—RNA₂, or the like, wherein R^(10′) is a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group; R is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group, or combination thereof; R′ is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkyl group, RNA₂, RNARNA₂, or RN(RNA₂)₂; n can be from 2 to 1,000,000; A is a combination of H,

combination of H,

wherein X is NH or O; R² is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₂-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group; R^(2′) is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted or substituted, linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl group, —COOH, —CH₂COOH, Y′, or —(CH₂)_(m)—Y′; m is an integer of 2 to 4; R³ is absent or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₁-C₃₀ alkylene group; Y is —NR₄R₅R₆ ⁽⁺⁾; Y′ is —COOH, —SO₃H, —PO₃H, —OSO₃H, —OPO₃H, or a salt thereof; R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are independently a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group; R⁷ is H or alkyl; and R⁸ is alkyl, or —(CH₂)_(k)—O-alkyl, wherein k is an integer of 1-30; wherein the compound is a multiple charged cationic compound having 1, 2, 3, or more positive charges from the activated olefin and at least one nonionic group from the epoxide or multiple charged anionic compound having 1, 2, 3, or more negative charges from the activated olefin and at least one nonionic group from the epoxide.

In some embodiments, A is positively charged

and nonionic

In some other embodiments, A is negatively charged

and nonionic

In some embodiments, at least two of the primary NH₂ protons were replaced by

at least one of the primary NH₂ or secondary NH were replaced by

and the rest of primary NH₂ protons remains. In some embodiments, at least two of the primary NH₂ protons were replaced by

at least one of the primary NH₂ or secondary NH is replaced by

and the rest of primary NH₂ protons remains. In some other embodiments, all of the primary NH₂ protons are replaced by

In some embodiments, some of primary NH₂ and secondary NH proton are replaced by

In some embodiments, all of primary NH₂ and some of secondary NH proton are replaced by

Nevertheless, the compounds disclosed herein are multiple charged cationic compounds having 1, 2, 3, or more

groups and at least one

group or multiple charged anionic compounds having 1, 2, 3, or more

groups, and at least one

In some embodiments, R² is H. In some embodiments, R² is CH₃. In yet some other embodiments, R² is CH₃CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃, or CH(CH₃)₂.

In some embodiments, Y is —NR₄R₅R₆ ⁽⁺⁾. In some other embodiments, Y is —NR₄R₅R₆ ⁽⁺⁾, and R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are independently CH₃. In yet some other embodiments, Y is —NR₄R₅R₆ ⁽⁺⁾, and R⁴ and R⁵, independently CH₃, and R₆ is a C₆-C₁₂ aromatic alkyl. In some other embodiments, Y is —NR₄R₅R₆ ⁽⁺⁾, and R⁴ and R⁵, independently CH₃, and R₆ is —CH₂-C₆H₆.

In some embodiments, Y is —NR₄R₅R₆ ⁽⁺⁾ and the counter ion for Y any negative charged ion or species. In some other embodiments, the counter ion for Y is selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide, fluoride, iodide, acetate, aluminate, cyanate, cyanide, dihydrogen phosphate, dihydrogen phosphite, formate, carbonate, hydrogen carbonate, hydrogen oxalate, hydrogen sulfate, hydroxide, nitrate, nitrite, thiocyanate, and a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, Y′ is —COOH or salt thereof. In some other embodiments, Y′ is —SO₃H, —OSO₃H, or salt thereof. In yet some other embodiments, Y′ is —PO₃H, —OPO₃H, or salt thereof.

In some embodiments, when Y is an anionic group, the counter position ions for the negative charge is Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, NH₃ ⁺, a quaternary ammonium, or the like.

In some embodiments, R³ is CH₂. In some other embodiments, R³ is CH₂CH₂. In other embodiments, R³ is C(CH₃)₂. In yet some other embodiments, R³ is an unsubstituted, linear, and saturated C₁-C₃₀ alkylene group. In some embodiments, R³ is an unsubstituted, linear, and unsaturated C₁-C₃₀ alkylene group.

In some embodiments, R³ is a linear C₈-C₁₈ alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group. In some other embodiments, R³ is a branched C₅-C₂₀ alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group.

In some embodiments, the polyamine is a linear, branched, or dendrimer polyamine with a general formula of —[RNH]_(n)—, wherein R is —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group, or combination thereof and n is an integer of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7-9, or from 10 to 1,000,000.

In some embodiments, the polyamine is a linear, branched, or dendrimer polyamine with a general formula of (RNH)_(n)—RNH₂, wherein R is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group, or combination thereof and n can be from 2 to 1,000,000. In some embodiments, R is the same in each monomer. In some other embodiments, R can be different from one monomer to another monomer.

In some other embodiments, the polyamine is a linear, branched, or dendrimer polyamine with a general formula of H₂N—(RNH)_(n)—RNH₂, wherein R is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group, or combination thereof and n can be from 2 to 1,000,000. In some embodiments, R is the same in each monomer. In some other embodiments, R can be different from one monomer to another monomer.

In yet some other embodiments, the polyamine is a linear, branched, or dendrimer polyamine with a general formula of H₂N—(RN(R′))_(n)—RNH₂, wherein R is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group, or combination thereof; R′ is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkyl group, RNH₂, RNHRNH₂, or RN(RNH₂)₂; and n can be from 2 to 1,000,000. In some embodiments, R or R′ is the same in each monomer. In some other embodiments, R or R′ can be different from one monomer to another monomer.

In some embodiments, the polyamine is one with a general formula of NH₂—[R^(10′)]_(n)—NH₂, wherein R^(10′) is a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group, or combination thereof and n is an integer of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7-9, or 10 to 1,000,000.

In some embodiments, the polyamine is one or more of polyamines under JEFFAMINE® by Huntsman.

In some embodiments, the polyamine comprises an alkyleneamine, the alkyleneamine comprising ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine, pentaethylenehexamine, hexaethyleneheptamine, polyethyleneimine, tris(2-aminoethyl)amine, or a mixture thereof.

In some other embodiments, the polyamine is a mixture of monoamine, diamine, and triamine with a polyether backbone or with a polyether backbone based on propylene oxide (PO), ethylene oxide (EO), or a mixture of both oxides In some embodiments, the polyamine is an unmodified polyamine. In some other embodiments, the polyamine is a modified polyamine.

In yet some embodiments, the polyamine is an ethoxylated polyamine, propylated polyamine, polyamine with polyquat, polyamine with polyglycerol, or combination thereof.

In yet some other embodiments, the polyamine is a linear, branched, or dendrimer polyethyleneimine. In some other embodiments, the polyamine comprises only primary and secondary amine groups. In some embodiments, the polyamine comprises only primary, secondary, and tertiary amine groups. In some other embodiments, the polyamine comprises only primary and tertiary amine groups.

In some embodiments, the polyamine is a single compound. In some other embodiments, the polyamine is a mixture of two or more different polyamines, wherein the different polyamines have different molecular weight, different structure, or both.

In some embodiments, the polyamine has an average molecular weight (M_(w)) of from about 60 to about 2,000,000 Da. In some other embodiments, the polyamine has an average molecular weight (M_(w)) of from about 60 to about 5,000 Da. In yet some other embodiments, the polyamine has an average molecular weight (M_(w)) of from about 60 to about 25,000 Da.

In some embodiments, the polyamine has an average molecular weight (M_(w)) of about 60-200, about 100-400, about 100-600, about 600-5,000, about 600-800, about 800-2,000, about 800-5,000, about 100-2,000,000, about 100-25,000, about 600-25,000, about 800-25,000, about 600-750,000, about 800-750,000, about 25,000-750,000, about 750,000-2,000,000, about 100, about 200, about 300, about 400, about 500, about 600, about 700, about 800, about 1,000, about 1,500, about 2,000, about 3,000, about 5,000, about 8,000, about 10,000, about 15,000, about 20,000, about 50,000, about 100,000, about 250,000, about 500,000, about 1,000,000, about 2,000,000, or any value there between.

In some embodiments, the polyamine is diamine or triamine having an average molecular weight (M_(w)) of from about 130 to about 4,000.

In some embodiments, the compound is a mixture derived from a linear polyethyleneimine and (3-Acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC). In some other embodiments, the compound is a mixture derived from a linear polyethyleneimine and [3-(Methacryloylamino)propyl]trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC).

In some other embodiments, the multiple charged cationic compound is a mixture derived from a branched polyethyleneimine and 3-Acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC). In some other embodiments, the compound is a mixture derived from a linear polyethyleneimine and [3-(Methacryloylamino)propyl]trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC).

In some embodiments, the activated olefin is (3-Acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC), [3-(Methacryloylamino)propyl]trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC), 2-(acryloyloxy)-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium chloride (DMAEA-MCQ), N,N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate benzyl chloride quaternary salt (DMAEA-BCQ), or 2-(methacryloyloxy)-N,N,N-trimethylethan-1-aminium methyl sulfate (DMAEA-MSQ).

In some other embodiments, the activated olefin is (3-Acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC), [3-(Methacryloylamino)propyl]trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC), or mixture thereof.

In some other embodiments, the activated olefin is 2-(acryloyloxy)-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium chloride (DMAEA-MCQ), N,N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate benzyl chloride quaternary salt (DMAEA-BCQ), 2-(methacryloyloxy)-N,N,N-trimethylethan-1-aminium methyl sulfate (DMAEA-MSQ), or a mixture thereof.

In some embodiments, the activated olefin is an acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, 3-(allyloxy)-2-hydroxypropane-1-sulfonate, or their salts or mixture thereof.

In some other embodiments, the activated olefin is vinylsulfonic acid, vinylphosphonic acid, or mixture thereof.

In some embodiments, the epoxide is an alkylglyicdal ether, hexylglycidal ether, octylglycidal ether, dodecyglycidal ether, a 1,2-epoxyalkane, 1,2-epoxytertadecane, 1,2-epoxydodecane, or 1,2-epoxyoctane, or mixture thereof. In some other embodiments, the epoxide is an alkylglyicdal ether or 1,2-epoxyalkane. In yet some other embodiments, the epoxide is hexylglycidal ether, octylglycidal ether, dodecyglycidal ether, or mixture thereof. In some other embodiments, the epoxide is 1,2-epoxytertadecane, 1,2-epoxydodecane, or 1,2-epoxyoctane, or mixture thereof.

In yet some other embodiments, when the activated olefin contains anionic group that can bear negative charge at an alkaline pH, the counter positive ions for the negative charges include, but are not limited to, alkali metal ions, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄ ⁺, a quaternary ammonium ion, etc.

In some embodiments, the compound is a product from an epoxide, (3-Acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC) and a polyethylenimine with an average molecular weight (M_(w)) of about 1,300, a polyethylenimine with an average molecular weight (M_(w)) of about 5,000, a polyethylenimine with an average molecular weight (M_(w)) of about 25,000, or a polyethylenimine with an average molecular weight (M_(w)) of about 750,000, respectively.

It should be understood that when n is greater than 2, the compound can be a mixture of more than two cationic compounds, which differ from each other by the exact locations of NH replacements.

In some embodiments, the multiple charged cationic or anionic compound has an average molecular weight (M_(w)) of from about 100 to about 2,000,000 Da. In some other embodiments, the multiple charged cationic or anionic compound has an average molecular weight (M_(w)) of from about 100 to about 50,000 Da. In yet some other embodiments, the multiple charged cationic or anionic compound has an average molecular weight (M_(w)) of from about 100 Da to about 600 Da, from about 100 Da to about 1,000 Da, from about 100 Da to about 1,400 Da, from about 100 Da to about 3,000 Da, from about 100 Da to about 5,500 Da, or from about 100 Da to about 10,000 Da, from about 100 Da to about 20,000 Da, from about 100 Da to about 30,000 Da, or from about 100 Da to about 40,000 Da.

In some embodiments, the multiple charged cationic compound has at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, or at least 10 positive charges. In some other embodiments, the compound has from 10 to 1,000 positive charges, or any value there between positive charges.

In some embodiments, the multiple charged cationic compound has at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, or at least 10 negative charges. In some other embodiments, the compound has from 10 to 1,000 positive charges, or any value there between negative charges.

In some embodiments, the compound or the modified compound is soluble or dispersible in water.

Aza-Michael Addition Reaction and Ring Opening Reaction of Epoxide

The multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds disclosed herein are derived from an aza-Michael Addition Reaction between a polyamine and Michael acceptor such as an activated olefin or α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compound containing a hydrophilic (ionic) group and from a ring opening reaction between a polyamine and epoxide. The aza Michael Addition Reaction and the ring opening reaction can happen sequentially or simultaneously. In some embodiments, the reaction products of the aza-Michael Addition reaction are further derived with a ring opening reaction of an epoxide. Alternatively, the multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds disclosed herein are derived from a ring opening reaction between a polyamine and epoxide and the products of the ring opening reaction then react with Michael acceptor such as an activated olefin or a, D-unsaturated carbonyl compound containing a hydrophilic (ionic) group through an aza-Michael Addition Reaction between the product.

An aliphatic amine group may undergo an aza-Michael Addition reaction when in contact with an unsaturated hydrocarbon moiety (e.g., carbon-carbon double bond) that is in proximity of an electron withdrawing group such as carbonyl, cyano, or nitro group. Specifically, the Michael addition is a reaction between nucleophiles and activated olefin and alkyne functionalities, wherein the nucleophile adds across a carbon-carbon multiple bond that is adjacent to an electron withdrawing and resonance stabilizing activating group, such as a carbonyl group. The Michael addition nucleophile is known as the “Michael donor”, the activated electrophilic olefin is known as the “Michael acceptor”, and reaction product of the two components is known as the “Michael adduct.” Examples of Michael donors include, but are not restricted to, amines, thiols, phosphines, carbanions, and alkoxides. Examples of Michael acceptors include, but are not restricted to, acrylate esters, alkyl methacrylates, acrylonitrile, acrylamides, maleimides, cyanoacrylates and vinyl sulfones, vinyl ketones, nitro ethylenes, a, D-unsaturated aldehydes, vinyl phosphonates, acrylonitrile, vinyl pyridines, azo compounds, beta-keto acetylenes and acetylene esters.

As used herein, an “activated olefin” refers to a substituted alkene in which at least one of the double-bond carbon has a conjugated electron withdrawing group. Examples of activated olefins include, but not limited to, a, D-unsaturated carbonyl compounds (such as CH₂═CHCO—NH—CH₃, alkyl-CH═CH—CO-alkyl, CH₂═CH₂C(O)—O—CH₃), CH₂═CH—COOH, CH₂═CH(CH₃)—COOH, CH₂═CH—SO₃H, and like.

Aza-Michael addition reaction can be catalyzed by a strong acid or base. In some cases, some ionic liquids can function both as reaction media and catalyst. The preferred catalyst for the Aza-Michael addition reaction to synthesize the disclosed compounds is a base. Exemplary base catalyst can be hydroxide and amines. Because the reaction to synthesize the disclosed compounds uses a polyamine, the polyamine itself can function as a catalyst for the reaction. In such embodiments, no additional catalyst is necessary, or an additional catalyst is optional. Other preferred catalysts include amidine and guanidine bases.

The use of solvent and/or diluent for the reaction is optional. When employed, a wide range of non-acidic solvents are suitable, such as, for example, water, ethers (e.g., tetrahydrofuran (THF)), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., toluene and xylene), alcohols (e.g., n-butanol), and the like. A wide range of solvents can be used for the reaction because the synthesis process is relatively insensitive to solvent. When solvent (or diluent) is employed, loading levels can range from as low as about 10 wt-% up to about 80 wt-% and higher. The solvent loading level can be about 0 wt-%, from about 1 wt-% to about 10 wt-%, from about 10 wt-% to about 20 wt-%, from about 20 wt-% to about 30 wt-%, from about 30 wt-% to about 40 wt-%, from about 40 wt-% to about 50 wt-%, from about 50 wt-% to about 60 wt-%, from about 60 wt-% to about 70 wt-%, from about 70 wt-% to about 80 wt-%, from about 1 wt-% to about 20 wt-%, from about 20 wt-% to about 40 wt-%, from about 40 wt-% to about 60 wt-%, from about 60 wt-% to about 80 wt-%, from about 40 wt-% to about 70 wt-%, about 5 wt-%, about 15 wt-%, about 25 wt-%, about 35 wt-%, about 45 wt-%, about 55 wt-%, about 65 wt-%, about 75 wt-%, or any value there between of the final reaction mixture.

Generally, the reaction can be carried out at a temperature over a wide range of temperatures. The reaction temperature can range from about 0° C. to about 150° C., more preferably from about 50° C. to about 80° C. The contacting temperature can be from about 10° C. to about 140° C., about 20° C. to about 130° C., about 30° C. to about 120° C., about 40° C. to about 110° C., about 50° C. to about 100° C., about 60° C. to about 90° C., about 70° C. to about 80° C., about 0° C. to about 20° C., about 20° C. to about 40° C., about 40° C. to about 60° C., about 60° C. to about 80° C., about 80° C. to about 100° C., about 100° C. to about 120° C., about 120° C. to about 150° C., about 5° C., about 25° C., about 45° C., about 65° C., about 85° C., about 105° C., about 125° C., about 145° C., or any value there between. The reaction temperature can be about the same from starting of the reaction to end of the reaction and can be changed from one temperature to another while the reaction is going on.

The reaction time for the synthesis of the compounds disclosed herein can vary widely, depending on such factors as the reaction temperature, the efficacy and amount of the catalyst, the presence or absence of diluent (solvent), and the like. The preferred reaction time can be from about 0.5 hours to about 48 hours, from about 1 hour to 40 hours, from about 2 hours to 38 hours, from about 4 hours to about 36 hours, from 6 hours to about 34 hours, from about 8 hours to about 32 hours, from about 10 hours to about 30 hours, from about 12 hours to about 28 hours, from about 14 hours to 26 hours, from about 16 hours to 24 hours, from about 18 hours to 20 hours, from about 1 hour to 8 hours, from 8 hours to 16 hours, from 8 hours to about 24 hours, about 2 hours, about 4 hours, about 6 hours, about 8 hours, about 10 hours, about 14 hours, about 16 hours, about 18 hours, about 24 hours, about 30 hours, about 36 hours, or any values there between.

The ring opening reaction of an epoxide with an amine is also known in the prior art. This ring opening reaction can be done at a temperature of from about −20° C. to about 200° C. and in the presence of a catalyst, base, or acid. In some embodiments, the ring opening reaction is done free of a catalyst, base, or acid. In some other embodiments, the ring opening reaction is at a temperature from about 100° C. to about 150° C.; a different temperature for the aza Michael Addition reaction; in the presence of a different catalyst, base, or acid.

Both aza Michael addition and ring opening reactions for synthesis of the compounds disclosed can be accomplished when one mole of the polyamine and specified moles (two or more moles) of the activated olefin, the epoxide, and the both, are mixed together for a sufficient of time at a temperature described above.

It was found that the Aza-Michael addition and ring opening reaction of an epoxide can be used to synthesize the disclosed compounds without having to use a higher temperature greater than 200° C. and high pressure greater than normal atmosphere pressure and with a high yield (greater than 98%).

The progression of both reactions can be typically monitored by ESI-MS and/or NMR spectroscopy for consumption of the monomer. The reaction products can be purified or separated by HPLC or other methods known by one skilled in the art. For reactions that proceeded to completion, the formed product can be separated by removal of solvent or by precipitation in a non-polar solvent that was the opposite of the reaction media. For the reactions in water, the formed product is precipitated from the aqueous reaction mixture. Higher pressure can speed-up the reaction. Typically, if the reaction is carried out at a room temperature with an appropriate catalyst, the reaction can have a product yield of more than 98%, in some embodiments within 16 hours.

Method of Making

In another aspect, disclosed here is a method of making a compound or its salt, wherein the method comprises contacting a polyamine with an epoxide of

and an activated olefin (Michael acceptor) having an ionic group according to one of the following formulas

wherein X is NH or O; R₂ is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₂-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group; R^(2′) is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted or substituted, linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl group, —COOH, —CH₂COOH, Y′, or —(CH₂)_(m)—Y′; m is an integer of 2 to 4; R³ is absent or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₁-C₃₀ alkylene group; Y is —NR₄R₅R₆ ⁽⁺⁾, Y′ is —COOH, —SO₃H, —PO₃H, —OSO₃H, —OPO₃H, or a salt thereof; and R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are independently a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group; R⁷ is H or alkyl; and R⁸ is alkyl, or —(CH₂)_(k)—O-alkyl, wherein k is an integer of 1-30; wherein the polyamine and the activated olefin undergo aza-Michael addition reaction; the polyamine and the epoxide undergo a ring opening reaction; and wherein the compound is a multiple charged cationic compound having 1, 2, 3, or more positive charges from the activated olefin and at least one nonionic group from the epoxide or multiple charged anionic compound having 1, 2, 3, or more negative charges from the activated olefin and at least one nonionic group from the epoxide.

In some embodiments of the disclosed methods, the polyamine is a NH₂—[R^(10′)]_(n)—NH₂, (RNH)_(n)—RNH₂, H₂N—(RNH)_(n)—RNH₂, H₂N—(RN(R′))_(n)—RNH₂, or a mixture thereof, wherein R^(10′) is a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₂-C₁₀ alkylene group, or combination thereof; R is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group, or combination thereof; R′ is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted C₄-C₁₀ alkyl group, RNH₂, RNHRNH₂, or RN(RNH₂)₂ and n can be from 2 to 1,000,000.

In some embodiments, the activated olefin is

wherein X is NH or O; R² is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₂-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group; R³ is absent or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₁-C₃₀ alkylene group; Y is —NR₄R₅R₆ ⁽⁺⁾, and R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are independently a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group

In some embodiments, the activated olefin activated olefin is (3-Acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC), [3-(methacryloylamino)propyl]trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC), 2-(acryloyloxy)-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium chloride (DMAEA-MCQ), N,N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate benzyl chloride quaternary salt (DMAEA-BCQ), 2-(methacryloyloxy)-N,N,N-trimethylethan-1-aminium methyl sulfate (DMAEA-MSQ), or a mixture thereof.

In some embodiments, Y is —NR₄R₅R₆ ⁽⁺⁾ and the counter ion for Y any negative charged ion or species. In some other embodiments, the counter ion for Y is chloride, bromide, fluoride, iodide, acetate, aluminate, cyanate, cyanide, dihydrogen phosphate, dihydrogen phosphite, formate, carbonate, hydrogen carbonate, hydrogen oxalate, hydrogen sulfate, hydroxide, nitrate, nitrite, thiocyanate, or a combination thereof.

In some other embodiments of the disclosed methods, the activated olefin is

wherein X is NH or O; R² is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₂-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group; R^(2′) is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted or substituted, linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl group, —COOH, —CH₂COOH, Y′, or —(CH₂)_(m)—Y′; m is an integer of 2 to 4; R³ is absent or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₁-C₃₀ alkylene group; Y′ is —COOH, —SO₃H, —PO₃H, —OSO₃H, —OPO₃H, or a salt thereof; and R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are independently a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group

In some embodiments, the activated olefin is acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, vinylphosphonic acid, or mixture thereof.

In some other embodiments, the activated olefin is 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), 3-(allyloxy)-2-hydroxypropane-1-sulfonate, or mixture thereof.

In yet some other embodiments, when the activated olefin contains an anionic group that can bear negative charge at an alkaline pH, the counter positive ions for the negative charges include, but are not limited to, alkali metal ions, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄ ⁺, a quaternary ammonium ion, etc.

In some embodiments, R⁷ is H. In some other embodiments, R⁷ is CH₃. In yet some other embodiments, R⁷ is a C₂-C₄ alkyl.

In some embodiments; R⁸ is a C₁-C₃₀ alkyl. In some other embodiments, R⁸ is C₈-C₄ alkyl. In yet some other embodiments, R⁸ is a C₅-C₂₀ alkyl.

In some embodiments, R⁸ is —(CH₂)_(k)—O-alkyl, wherein k is an integer of 1-30 and the alkyl group is C₁-C₃₀ alkyl group.

In some embodiments, the epoxide is an alkylglyicdal ether, hexylglycidal ether, octylglycidal ether, dodecyglycidal ether, a 1,2-epoxyalkane, 1,2-epoxytertadecane, 1,2-epoxydodecane, or 1,2-epoxyoctane, or mixture thereof. In some other embodiments, the epoxide is an alkylglyicdal ether or 1,2-epoxyalkane. In yet some other embodiments, the epoxide is hexylglycidal ether, octylglycidal ether, dodecyglycidal ether, or mixture thereof. In some other embodiments, the epoxide is 1,2-epoxytertadecane, 1,2-epoxydodecane, or 1,2-epoxyoctane, or mixture thereof.

In some embodiments of the disclosed methods, the contacting step is done in the presence of a reaction solvent. The reaction solvent can be any inorganic or organic solvent commonly used in chemical synthesis. The reaction solvent used in the disclosed method can be introduced into the reaction between the polyamine and the activated olefin including a cationic or anionic group and between the polyamine and the epoxide by any way known by one skilled in the art. For example, the solvent can be added into the container or vessel for reaction before, at the same, with one or both reactants, or after the polyamine, the activated olefin, or both are added.

In some embodiments, the reaction solvent is water, methanol, ethanol, propanol, glycol, PEG, or a mixture thereof. In some other embodiments, the reaction solvent is water.

In some other embodiments of the disclosed methods, the contacting step is done in the presence of a catalyst, base, or acid. The catalyst, base, or acid can be introduced into the reaction between the polyamine and activated olefin by any way known by one skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the contacting step is done without the presence of any additional base or alkalinity source. In some other embodiments, the contacting step is done in the presence of an alkalinity source. In some other embodiments, the contacting step is done in the presence of an organic base, such as alkanolamines. In yet some other embodiments, the contacting step is done in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide, carbonate, imidazole/pyridine base, or combination thereof, such as NaOH, Na₂CO₃, aminoethyl pyridine, aminopropyl imidazole, or a combination thereof. In some other embodiments, the contacting step is done with the presence of benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide. In some embodiments, the catalyst base is an amidine or guanidine base, or mixtures thereof. In some other embodiments, the catalyst is an ionic liquid, such as 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]-undec-7-en-8-ium acetate, for the reaction under a solvent free condition at room temperatures.

In yet some other embodiments of the disclosed methods, the contacting step is done in the presence of an acid. In some other embodiments, the contacting step is done in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst can any one or more of the catalysts known for the Michael addition reaction by one skilled in the art.

In yet some other embodiments of the disclosed methods, the contacting step is done free of a catalyst, base, or acid. In some other embodiments, the contacting step is done free of an alkali metal hydroxide, carbonate, silicate, metasilicate, imidazole/pyridine-based base, or all thereof. In some embodiments, the contact step is done free of a base.

In some embodiments, the contacting step is a two-step process, first between the polyamine and the activated olefin and then between the product and the epoxide. In some other embodiments, the contacting step is a two-step process, first between the polyamine and the epoxide and the between the product and the activated olefin. In yet some other embodiments, the contacting step is a single step wherein contacting the polyamine with both the epoxide and activated olefin occurs. When the contacting step is a two-step process, the two steps can be done at two difference temperatures of from about −20° C. to about 200° C. In some embodiments, the contacting step with the activated olefin is done at a temperature from about 20° C. to about 120° C. In some other embodiments, the contacting step with the epoxide is done at the temperature from about 100° C. to about 150° C.

In yet another aspect, provided herein is an article, product, or composition that comprises one or more compounds disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the article, product or composition further comprises a carrier solvent or a carrier. As used herein, a “carrier solvent” or carrier is a solvent or solvent system in which the disclosed compound can be distributed evenly and stable.

As used herein, “stable” means that compounds disclosed herein does not precipitate from or separated from the carrier solvent or other ingredients in the composition in about 1 hour, from about 1 hour to about 12 hours, about 12 hours, about 1 day, about 5 days, about 10 days, about 20 days, about 1 month, from about 1 month to about 1 year, or from about 1 year to about 2 year after the compounds disclosed herein and carrier solvent or any other ingredients are mixed homogenously.

In some other embodiments, the carrier is water, an organic solvent, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the article, product, or composition further comprises an organic solvent. In some other embodiments, the article, product, or composition further comprises an organic solvent and water.

In some embodiments, the organic solvent is an alcohol, a hydrocarbon, a ketone, an ether, an alkylene glycol, a glycol ether, an amide, a nitrile, a sulfoxide, an ester, or any combination thereof. In some other embodiments, the organic solvent is an alcohol, an alkylene glycol, an alkyleneglycol alkyl ether, or a combination thereof. In yet some embodiments, the organic solvent is methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol, monoethyleneglycol, ethyleneglycol monobutyl ether, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the organic solvent is methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, 2-ethylhexanol, hexanol, octanol, decanol, 2-butoxyethanol, methylene glycol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, diethyleneglycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol dibutyl ether, pentane, hexane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, heptane, decane, dodecane, diesel, toluene, xylene, heavy aromatic naphtha, cyclohexanone, diisobutylketone, diethyl ether, propylene carbonate, N-methylpyrrolidinone.

In some embodiments, the article, product or composition can further comprise an additional surfactant. The additional surfactant is a nonionic, semi-nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, Gemini, di-cationic, di-anionic surfactant, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the articles, products, or compositions are solid. In some other embodiments, the articles, products, or compositions are liquid.

As used herein, the term “substantially free” refers to compositions completely lacking the component or having such a small amount of the component that the component does not affect the performance of the composition. The component may be present as an impurity or as a contaminant and shall be less than 0.5 wt-%. In another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than 0.1 wt-% and in yet another embodiment, the amount of component is less than 0.01 wt-%.

The term “weight percent,” “wt-%,” “percent by weight,” “% by weight,” and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a substance as the weight of that substance divided by the total weight of the composition and multiplied by 100. It is understood that, as used here, “percent,” “%,” and the like are intended to be synonymous with “weight percent,” “wt-%,” etc.

The methods and compositions of the present disclosure may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the components and ingredients of the disclosed compositions or methods as well as other ingredients described herein. As used herein, “consisting essentially of” means that the methods and compositions may include additional steps, components or ingredients, but only if the additional steps, components or ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed methods and compositions.

EXAMPLES

Embodiments of the present disclosure are further defined in the following non-limiting Examples. These Examples, while indicating certain embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of illustration only. From the above discussion and these Examples, one skilled in the art can ascertain the essential characteristics of this disclosure, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the embodiments of the disclosure to adapt it to various usages and conditions. Thus, various modifications of the embodiments of the disclosure, in addition to those shown and described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Example 1 General Scheme to Synthesize Exemplary Compounds

The generic synthesis reaction scheme for preparation of the multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds disclosed herein is FIG. 4. In this generic scheme, a linear polyethyleneimine is used as a representative for polyamines. Hydrogens on the nitrogen of the linear polyethyleneimine are replaced by both the cationic groups via aza Michael addition reactions and the hydrophobic groups via epoxide ring-opening reaction. Different compositions can be created by varying amounts of the ionic monomers and hydrophobic alkyl epoxide.

In FIG. 4, k is a integer of 1-100; X is NH or O; R² is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₂-C₁₀ alkyl group; R³ is absent or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₁-C₃₀ alkylene group; Y is —NR⁴R⁵R⁶⁽⁺⁾ or a salt thereof, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are independently C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group or benzyl group; and R⁸ is alkyl, or —(CH₂)_(k)—O-alkyl, wherein k is an integer of 1-30.

The progression of the reaction can be monitored by ESI-MS and/or NMR spectroscopy for consumption of the cationic monomer and epoxide. The reactions can be stopped at time when about >98% for the monomer and epoxide is consumed. The aqueous or alcoholic solution of the multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds can be used “as-is” for the application testing.

In the scheme described above, water and/or isopropanol can be used as solvent. However, the use of solvent and/or diluent for the reaction is optional. When employed, a wide range of non-acidic solvents are suitable, such as, for example, acetonitrile, ethers (e.g., tetrahydrofuran (THF)), other alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol, n-butanol, glycol, PEG, or a mixture) and the like

In the scheme described above, no additional catalyst is necessary. Because the reactions to synthesize the disclosed multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds uses a polyamine, the polyamine itself can function as a (base) catalyst for both reactions. However, an additional catalyst is optional. Aza-Michael addition and ring-opening reactions employed for synthesis of the disclosed multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds can also be catalyzed by a strong acid or base.

In the scheme described above, the reactions can be carried at a temperature of from about 50° C. to about 130° C. However, the reaction temperature can range from about 20° C. to about 150° C., more preferably from about 50° C. to about 100° C.

In the scheme described above, synthesis is achieved in a two-step reaction. However, the disclosed multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds can be synthesized by one-step, one-pot reaction by tandem Michael addition and ring-opening reaction by reacting a polyamine simultaneously with the ionic monomers and epoxide.

Example 2 Synthesis of DETA/2EHGE (1:2) Adduct

To a 250 mL three necked round-bottom flask equipped with a temperature probe, condenser and magnetic stir bar was added 2-ethylhexyglycidal ether (2-EHGE, 55 grams). Diethylenetriamine (DETA, 15 grams) was then added to the well-stirred reaction mixture. Temperature of the reaction was increased to 130° C. and stirred for 3 hours or until completion of reaction.

Example 3

Synthesis of TEPA/C₁₂-C₁₄ Alkylglycidyl Ether (1:3) Adduct

To a 250 mL three necked round-bottom flask equipped with a temperature probe, condenser and magnetic stir bar was added ERISYS™ GE 8 (C₁₂-C₁₄ alkylglycidyl ether, CAS No:68609-97-2, 132 grams). Triethylenepentamine (TEPA, 98%, 30 grams) was then added to the well-stirred reaction mixture. Temperature of the reaction was increased to 130° C. and stirred for 3 hours or until completion of reaction.

Example 4 Synthesis of TEPA/Cn-Cn Alkylglycidyl Ether (1:2) Adduct

To a 250 mL three necked round-bottom flask equipped with a temperature probe, condenser and magnetic stir bar was added ERISYS™ GE 8 (C₁₂-C₁₄ alkylglycidyl ether, CAS No:68609-97-2, 120 grams). Triethylenepentamine (TEPA, 98%, 40 grams) was then added to the well-stirred reaction mixture. Temperature of the reaction was increased to 130° C. and stirred for 3 hours or until completion of reaction.

Example 5 Synthesis of Ethyleneamine E-100/APTAC (1:2.5) Adduct

To a 250 mL three necked round-bottom flask equipped with temperature probe, condenser and magnetic stir bar were added polyethyleneamine E-100 (50 grams). (3-acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC, 75%, 121 grams), and water (20 grams) were then added into the flask. The resulting mixture was stirred at 80° C. overnight. As the reaction proceeded to completion, mixture turned into a clear yellowish solution.

Example 6 Synthesis of an Exemplary Multiple Charged Cationic Compound

To a 250 mL three necked round-bottom flask equipped with a temperature probe, condenser and magnetic stir bar was added the compound of Example 1 (DETA/2EHGE 1:2 adduct, 21.5 grams). 3-acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC, 75%, 34 grams,) and water were then added into the flask. The resulting suspension was stirred at 70° C. overnight or until complete consumption of APTAC was achieved. As the reaction proceeded to completion suspension turned into a clear yellowish solution.

Example 7 Synthesis of an Exemplary Multiple Charged Anionic Compound

To a 250 mL three necked round-bottom flask equipped with a temperature probe, condenser and magnetic stir bar was added the compound of Example 2 (DETA/2EHGE 1:2 adduct, 21.5 grams). 2-Acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt solution (NaAMPS, 58%, 49 grams) and water (6 grams) were then added into the flask. The resulting suspension was stirred at 70° C. overnight or until complete consumption of NaAMPS was achieved. As the reaction proceeded to completion suspension turned into a clear yellowish solution.

Example 8 Synthesis of an Exemplary Multiple Charged Cationic Compound

To a 250 mL three necked round-bottom flask equipped with temperature probe, condenser and magnetic stir bar were added the compound of Example 3 (TEPA/C₁₂-C₁₄ alkylglycidyl ether, 1:3 adduct, 35.6 grams) and isopropanol (36 grams). (3-acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC, 75%, 24 grams) was then added into the flask. The resulting mixture was stirred at 70° C. overnight or until complete consumption of APTAC was achieved. As the reaction proceeded to completion suspension turned into a clear dark-amber solution.

Example 9 Synthesis of an Exemplary Multiple Charged Anionic Compound

To a 250 mL three necked round-bottom flask equipped with a temperature probe, condenser and magnetic stir bar were added the compound of Example 3 (TEPA/C₁₂-C₁₄ alkylglycidyl ether, 1:3 adduct, 40 grams) and isopropanol (26 grams). 2-Acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt solution (NaAMPS, 58%, 46 grams) and water (31 grams) were then added into the flask. The resulting solution was stirred at 70° C. overnight or until complete consumption of NaAMPS was achieved. As the reaction proceeded to completion mixture turned into a clear yellowish solution.

Example 10 Synthesis of an Exemplary Multiple Charged Cationic Compound

To a 250 mL three necked round-bottom flask equipped with temperature probe, condenser and magnetic stir bar were added the compound of Example 4 (TEPA/C₁₂-C₁₄ alkylglycidyl ether, 1:2 adduct, 33.62 grams) and isopropanol (50 grams). 3-acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC, 75%, 31 grams) was then added into the flask. The resulting mixture was stirred at 70° C. overnight or until complete consumption of APTAC was achieved. As the reaction proceeded to completion suspension turned into a clear dark-amber solution.

Example 11 Synthesis of a Multiple Charged Cationic Compound/Surfactant

To a 250 mL three necked round-bottom flask equipped with a temperature probe, condenser and magnetic stir bar was added the compound of Example 5 (Ethyleneamine E-100/APTAC 1:2.5 adduct, 74%, 50 grams). ERISYS™ GE 8 (C₁₂-C₁₄ alkylglycidyl ether, CAS No: 68609-97-2, 41.5 grams) and isopropanol (40 grams) were then added into the flask. The resulting mixture was stirred at 90° C. overnight or until completion of reaction.

Example 12 Synthesis of a Multiple Charged Cationic Compound

To a 250 mL three necked round-bottom flask equipped with a temperature probe, condenser and magnetic stir bar was added the compound of Example 5 (Ethyleneamine E-100/APTAC 1:2.5 adduct, 74%, 63 grams). ERISYS™ GE 8 (C₁₂-C₁₄ alkylglycidyl ether, CAS No:68609-97-2, 34.2 grams) and isopropanol (40 grams) were then added into the flask. The resulting mixture was stirred at 90° C. overnight or until completion of reaction.

Example 13 One Pot Synthesis of an Exemplary Multiple Charged Cationic Compound

To a 500 mL three necked round-bottom flask equipped with a temperature probe, condenser and magnetic stir bar were added ERISYS™ GE 8 (C₁₂-C₁₄ alkylglycidyl ether, CAS No:68609-97-2, 110 grams), triethylenepentamine (TEPA, 99%, 25 grams), 3-acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC, 75%, 108 grams) and isopropanol (80 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred at 90° C. overnight or until completion of the reaction as indicated by consumption of APTAC and ERISYS™ GE 8. As the reaction proceeded to completion mixture turned into a clear amber solution.

Example 14 One Pot Synthesis of an Exemplary Multiple Charged Cationic Compound

To a 500 mL three necked round-bottom flask equipped with a temperature probe, condenser and magnetic stir bar were added 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether (98%, 93 grams), triethylenetetraamine (TETA, 60%, 29.8 grams), 3-acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC, 75%, 67 grams) and isopropanol (50 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred at 90° C. overnight or until completion of the reaction as indicated by consumption of APTAC and 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether. As the reaction proceeded to completion mixture turned into a clear amber solution.

Example 15 One Pot Synthesis of an Exemplary Multiple Charged Anionic Compound

To a 500 mL three necked round-bottom flask equipped with a temperature probe, condenser and magnetic stir bar were added 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether (98%, 77 grams), diethylenetriamine (DETA, 99%, 14 grams), acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt solution (NaAMPS, 58%, 160 grams) and isopropanol (80 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred at 90° C. overnight or until completion of the reaction as indicated by consumption of NaAMPS and 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether. As the reaction proceeded to completion mixture turned into a dark-yellow solution.

The disclosures being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosures and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

The above specification provides a description of the novel compounds, their synthesis and use, and the compositions, products, or articles that comprise the disclosed compounds. Since many embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, the disclosure resides in the claims. 

1. A method to synthesize a modified polyamine compound comprising: contacting a polyamine with an activated olefin and an epoxide to form a multiple charged cationic or anionic compound; wherein the activated olefin has one of the following formulas;

the epoxide is

X is NH or O; R² is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₂-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group; R^(2′) is H, CH₃, or an unsubstituted or substituted, linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl group, —COOH, —CH₂COOH, Y′, or —(CH₂)_(m)—Y′; m is an integer of 2 to 4; R³ is absent or an unsubstituted, linear or branched C₁-C₃₀ alkylene group; Y is —NR₄R₅R₆ ⁽⁺⁾; Y′ is —COOH, —SO₃H, —PO₃H, —OSO₃H, —OPO₃H, or a salt thereof, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are independently a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group; R⁷ is H or alkyl; and R⁸ is alkyl, or —(CH₂)_(k)—O-alkyl, wherein k is an integer of 1-30; wherein the polyamine and activated olefin undergo aza Michael Addition reaction and the polyamine and epoxide undergo ring opening reaction; wherein the compound is a multiple charged cationic compound having 1, 2, 3, or more positive charges from the activated olefin and at least one nonionic group from the epoxide or a multiple charged anionic compound having 1, 2, 3, or more negative charges from the activated olefin and at least one nonionic group from the epoxide.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the contacting step is done in the presence of a reaction solvent.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the reaction solvent is water, methanol, ethanol, propanol, glycol, PEG, or a mixture thereof.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the contacting step is done in the presence of a catalyst, base, or acid.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the contacting step is done free of a base.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the contacting step is done in the presence of an organic base.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the contacting step is done in the presence of a hydroxide, alkali metal hydroxide, alkaline metal hydroxide, metal carbonate, imidazole, pyridine base, amidine base, guanidine base, or combinations thereof.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the contacting step is done in the presence of benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polyamine is a polyalkyleneimine selected from the group consisting of ethyleneimine, propyleneimine, butyleneimine, pentyleneimine, hexyleneimine, heptyleneimine, and a combination thereof.
 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polyamine is an alkyleneamine selected from the group consisting of ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine, pentaethylenehexamine, hexaethyleneheptamine, polyethyleneimine, tris(2-aminoethyl)amine, and a combination thereof.
 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polyamine is a mixture of monoamine, diamine, and triamine with a polyether backbone or with a polyether backbone based on propylene oxide (PO), ethylene oxide (EO), or a mixture of both oxides.
 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polyamine is a linear, branched, or dendrimer polyethyleneimine.
 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polyamine comprises (i) only primary and secondary amine groups, (ii) only primary, secondary, and tertiary amine groups, or (iii) only primary and tertiary amine groups.
 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polyamine is a single compound, or is a mixture of two or more different polyamines, wherein the different polyamines have different molecular weight, different structure, or both.
 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polyamine has an average molecular weight of from about 60 to about 2,000,000 Da, or from about 60 to about 25,000 Da.
 16. An article, product, or composition comprising one or more modified polyamine compound of claim
 1. 17. The article, product, or composition according to claim 16, further comprising a carrier solvent comprising water, an alcohol, an alkylene glycol, an alkyleneglycol alkyl ether, or a combination thereof.
 18. The article, product, or composition according to claim 17, wherein the carrier solvent is methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol, monoethyleneglycol, ethyleneglycol monobutyl ether, or a combination thereof.
 19. The article, product, or composition according to claim 16, wherein the article, product, or composition is a solid or liquid.
 20. The article, product, or composition according to claim 16, further comprising a surfactant that is a nonionic, semi-nonionic, cationic, anionic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, Gemini, di-cationic, di-anionic surfactant, or mixtures thereof. 